Her Majesty The Queen sends condolence message to Bush family after passing of President George H. W. Bush

The Queen has sent her thoughts and prayers to the Bush family and the American people after the passing of President George H. W. Bush, remembering fondly of her time visiting him in the United States. Her Majesty also called the former President “a patriot.”

Former United States President George H. W. Bush died at the age of 94 on Friday in Houston, Texas. His son, former President George W. Bush made the announcement late Friday night on behalf of the Bush family.

President Bush’s statement on his father, who was the 41st President of the United States, read, “Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dear Dad has died,” George W. Bush said. “George H. W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens.”

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at the White House for a State Dinner in 1991 with the President and First Lady. Photo: Biddle, Susan, 1940-, Photographer (NARA record: 8464488) – U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Her Majesty The Queen sent a message of condolence to the Bush family and American people on Saturday.

The message said, “It was with sadness that I learned of the death of President George H W Bush last night. President Bush was a great friend and ally of the United Kingdom. He was also a patriot, serving his country with honour and distinction in Office and during the Second World War.

“Prince Philip and I remember our days in Texas in 1991 with great fondness. My thoughts and prayers are with President Bush’s family and the American people.”

A private message of condolence from Her Majesty is also being sent to the family.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh met both President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush several times over the years including a 1991 State Visit to the United States.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness host the President and First Lady at Buckingham Palace in 1989. Photo: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum – https://bush41library.tamu.edu/audiovisual/photos/39

It is not known who, if anyone, will represent the British Royal Family at the funeral. When President Ronald Reagan died in 2004, the Prince of Wales travelled to Washington for the funeral on behalf of Her Majesty.

The elder President Bush’s health had been poor over the last several months, and he suffered from a form of Parkinson’s disease. His wife, former First Lady Barbara Bush died in April of this year.

Funeral arrangements, as of the writing of this article, have not yet been announced. However, it is expected to be a state funeral and his body will lie in state for the public to pay their respects. Former US Presidents, members of the US government, and foreign dignitaries are expected. President Trump has declared 5 December as a national day of mourning.

President Bush will be laid to rest beside his wife and daughter at the Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas.